Bruce Kulick recently shared a birthday message for fellow guitarist Tommy Thayer. The post sparked mixed reactions from KISS and Ace Frehley fans on X (formerly Twitter).
Kulick’s post was straightforward in its intent, offering birthday wishes to Thayer as a KISS guitarist. However, the message prompted varied responses from the fanbase. Some praised Kulick’s gesture, while others raised concerns about Thayer’s role in the band.
“Let’s wish KISS guitarist, Tommy Thayer a Happy Birthday!” Kulick wrote.
The post drew criticism from some fans who questioned Thayer’s authenticity within the band. One commenter expressed frustration about Thayer’s use of the Ace Frehley makeup design. The fan argued that Thayer should develop his own identity rather than continue wearing a purchased design.
“Tommy should show the army some love and respect first – stop wearing Aces makeup – come up with your own like it used to be done – who cares if Aces makeup was bought – still ain’t right – RIP Space Ace,” the fan commented.
Other responses focused on Kulick’s own history with KISS. One fan noted that while Kulick performed with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, he was not officially part of KISS during his tenure. The fan said, “He played guitar for Gene and Paul, but he was not in KISS.”
Despite the criticism, some fans appreciated Kulick’s gesture. One commenter described him as “a class act.”
The tension surrounding Kulick’s birthday message reflects a deeper, long-standing debate within the KISS fanbase. This debate centers on the band’s lineup changes and the legitimacy of its current members. To understand the controversy, it’s important to examine the history of these three guitarists and their distinct roles in the band’s evolution.
Bruce Kulick played guitar for KISS during the unmasked era from 1984 to 1996, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. This period saw the band abandon their iconic makeup and stage personas. Unlike his successors, Kulick never wore makeup or an onstage character. Instead, he focused on delivering original interpretations of the band’s classic solos. His tenure represented a significant shift in KISS’s visual identity and musical approach.
The controversy intensified when Tommy Thayer took over the guitarist role in 2002. He inherited Ace Frehley’s original “Spaceman” makeup design. Per Eddie Trunk’s interviews, Thayer stated that he never had input on this decision. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley made the choice to maintain the original makeup designs rather than introduce new characters decades into the band’s history. Thayer acknowledged the fan displeasure but chose not to let it affect him.
Notably, Ace Frehley himself publicly praised Bruce Kulick. He stated that Kulick “blows Tommy Thayer off the stage” because Kulick added original flair to his solos. Thayer, by contrast, attempts to replicate Ace’s playing without the same swagger or attitude. This endorsement from the original Spaceman further fueled fan debates about who truly deserves the role.
Kulick’s birthday message to Thayer appears cordial on the surface. However, it arrives against a backdrop of unresolved tensions within the KISS community. The mixed fan reactions reveal how deeply divided the fanbase remains. Questions of authenticity, legacy, and the proper way to honor KISS’s storied history continue to divide supporters.
